Abstract: An osmotically driven fluid dispenser for use in an aqueous environment comprising: a shape retaining canister having controlled permeability to water; an osmotically effective solute confined in the canister which, in solution, exhibits an osmotic pressure gradient against the water in the environment; an outlet in the canister wall; and a flexible bag of relatively impervious material that holds the fluid to be dispensed and is housed in the canister with its open end in sealed contact with the canister such that the canister outlet communicates with the bag interior and the bag interior is closed to the solute and aqueous solution thereof with the remainder of the bag spaced from and generally unsupported by the canister wall.

Abstract: Drug-delivery device for releasing a drug at a continuous and controlled rate for a prolonged period of time is comprised of a shaped body of polymeric material containing a pharmaceutically acceptable drug and permeable to passage of the drug by diffusion. The polymeric material is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of about 4 to 80% by weight and a melt index of about 0.1 to 1000 grams per 10 minutes.

Abstract: There is provided novel and useful pro-drug forms of theophylline having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents a member selected from the group consisting of a straight or branched C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 alkyl group, a straight or branched C.sub.14 -C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a substituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group whose substituents are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.14 acyloxy group, and a halogen atom (Cl, Br, I), and a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic group whose substituents are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 acyloxy group, and a halogen atom (Cl, Br, I), and wherein A presents a member selected from the group consistng of a --CO-- group, a --CO--(CH.sub.2).sub.

Abstract: An osmotic active agent dispenser is comprised of a chamber having controlled permeability to an external fluid, i.e., water, and containing an osmotically effective solute which, in solution, exhibits an osmotic pressure gradient against said external fluid, said chamber housing a flexible bag of relatively impervious material containing an active agent and provided with means or dispensing head for releasing said active agent to the exterior of the dispenser. The flexible bag is disposed within the said housing chamber such that as the, e.g., water permeates from the external environment through the permeable walls of the chamber and migrates or diffuses by osmosis into the solution contained therein, same increases in volume thereby generating mechanical compressing or deflating force on the flexible bag, which force in turn ejects the active agent out of the apparatus at an osmotically controlled rate over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: An osmotic dispenser is described which is capable of releasing to its outside environment concentrations of active agent at an osmotically controlled rate over a prolonged period of time, and the active agent formulation of which is a solid or semisolid at storage temperatures, advantageously room temperature, and is fluid at the temperature of the prospective situs for the osmotic dispenser, typically at body temperature.

Abstract: A drug-dispensing ocular insert containing a drug and suited for application to the eyeball to dispense said drug to the eye over a prolonged period of time, includes, for permitting facile insertion into and comfortable retention within the eye, and more importantly for preventing the accidental expulsion of the insert therefrom, first detent means adapted for insertion into the cul-de-sac of the conjunctiva between the sclera of the eyeball and the upper eyelid, and second, conjoint detent means, cooperative with said first detent means, adapted for insertion into the cul-de-sac of the conjunctiva between the said sclera of the eyeball and the lower eyelid.

Abstract: An ocular insert for the continuous controlled administration of a predetermined therapeutically effective dosage of drug to the eye over a prolonged period of time. The device meters the flow of drug by means of a drug release rate controlling material. The insert bioerodes in the environment of the eye concurrently with the dispensing or at a point in time after the dispensing of the therapeutically desired amount of drug.

Abstract: An ocular insert for the continuous controlled administration of a predetermined therapeutically effective dosage of drug to the eye over a prolonged period of time. The device meters the flow of drug by means of a drug release rate controlling material. The insert bioerodes in the environment of the eye concurrently with the dispensing or at a point in time after the dispensing of the therapeutically desired amount of drug.

Abstract: An ocular insert for the continuous controlled administration of a predetermined therapeutically effective dosage of drug to the eye over a prolonged period of time. The device meters the flow of drug by means of a drug release rate controlling material. The insert bioerodes in the environment of the eye concurrently with the dispensing or at a point in time after the dispensing of the therapeutically desired amount of drug.

Abstract: Dermal compositions are disclosed with comprise trichloroethanol or trifluoroethanol as one component of a vehicle having solubilized therein a drug or other beneficial chemical compound. Also disclosed is a method for administering a drug or other beneficial chemical compound to the body which comprises contacting the skin with the drug or compound in the presence of trichloroethanol or trifluoroethanol which acts as an absorption promoter to enhance the topical or percutaneous absorption of the active drug or compound.

Abstract: There is provided, novel pro-drug forms of pyridinium aldoxime type cholinesterase reactivators, namely, dihydropyridinium aldoximes, having the formula: ##SPC1##Wherein R represents a member selected from the group consisting of an alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) group, a ##SPC2##Group, a ##SPC3##Group, ##SPC4##Group, and a ##SPC5##Wherein Z represents a member selected from the group consisting of a --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- group, a --CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 -- group, a --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -- group, and a --CH.sub.2 O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 -- group; wherein R.sub.1 represents a member selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an acyl group and a ##EQU1## group; and wherein X.sup.- represents an anion derived from a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt.These compounds are useful in reactivating cholinesterase, inhibited following exposure to and/or ingestion of conventional anti-cholinesterase agents, especially in the brain.

Abstract: An ocular insert for the continuous controlled administration of a predetermined therapeutically effective dosage of drug to the eye over a prolonged period of time. The device meters the flow of drug by means of a drug release rate controlling material. The insert bioerodes in the environment of the eye concurrently with the dispensing or at a point in time after the dispensing of the therapeutically desired amount of drug.

Abstract: Alkaline earth metal salts of salicylamide are administered in solid oral dosage forms with substantially improved analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and sedative results as compared with salicylamide. Highest blood levels are obtained by administering enteric-coated salicylamide salt dosage forms.

Abstract: Alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of salicylamide are administered in solid oral dosage forms with substantially improved analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and sedative results as compared with salicylamide. Highest blood levels are obtained by administering enteric-coated salicylamide salt dosage forms.

Abstract: Acronycine derivatives having the structural formula: ##SPC1##Wherein R is acyl and A is an anion of a suitably strong acid, stabilized formulations thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprised of same exhibit broad spectrum antitumor activity, and are especially suited for intravenous administration.

Abstract: There is provided novel and useful pro-drug forms of theophylline having the formula: ##SPC1##Wherein R represents a member selected from the group consisting of a straight or branched C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 alkyl group, a straight or branched C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 alkenyl group, a substituted phenyl group of a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group whose substituents are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 acyloxy group, and a halogen atom (Cl, Br, I), and a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic group whose substituents are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 acyloxy group, and a halogen atom (Cl, Br, I), and wherein A represents a member selected from the group consisting of a --CO-- group, a --CO--(CH.sub.2).sub.